ESPE Yearbook of Paediatric Endocrinology

Brief summary: This cross-sectional study found high prevalences of high dietary intakes of fat and sugar and inadequate intakes of fiber among obese Indonesian adolescents, and a statistically significant correlation between fiber intake and HDL cholesterol levels.

Low and middle-income countries are experiencing nutritional transitions with increasing prevalence of obesity and cardiovascular disease risks. This cross-sectional study performed in Indonesia aimed to explore the relationship between excess intake of nutrients and cardiovascular disease risk. The study assessed dietary intake in 179 adolescents using a semi-quantitative food frequency recall questionnaire. Participants were between 15 and 18 years of age and classified as obese based on WHO, IOTF and CDC criteria. Laboratory evaluation for LDL, HDL, triglycerides, fasting blood glucose, insulin and HbA1c were performed. A multivariable linear regression model was used to evaluate the relationship.

Compared to dietary recommendations from WHO guidelines, 98% of participants had inadequate intake of fiber, 65% had excess intake of fat and 36% had excess intake of total sugar. There was a statistically significant correlation between fiber intake and level of HDL cholesterol with a non-statistically significant correlation between sugar intake and HbA1c concentrations. Unhealthy dietary intake among obese adolescents in Indonesia is highly prevalent and may lead to obesity and other obesity related cardiovascular diseases.